Wan Saiful denies alleged move to topple Muhyiddin

Summary

• Bersatu supreme council leader Wan Saiful Wan Jan will meet party president Muhyiddin Yassin on Wednesday over 120 SDs signed by division chiefs.

• Wan Saiful claims SDs being twisted to fit a “skewed narrative” of an attempt to pressure Muhyiddin to step down in favour of his deputy, Hamzah Zainudin.

Bersatu supreme council member Wan Saiful Wan Jan today denied claims of a move to topple party president Muhyiddin Yassin, insisting that statutory declarations (SDs) signed by 120 division chiefs were in support of a succession plan agreed last year.

Speaking at a press conference in Petaling Jaya, Wan Saiful read out the SD, which stated:

“For the sake of victory, it would be better if Muhyiddin continued to lead the party until we win the 16th general election.

“However, since he has repeatedly spoken of retirement, I pledge to comply and will continue to safeguard the party’s integrity in order to uphold his legacy.

“If Muhyiddin wishes to implement changes, I suggest that this be done early to give the new leadership space to plan and lead the party.

“On the condition that the new leadership must retain Muhyiddin as the party’s chairperson or adviser, and as the party’s front face.”

He said the SD was being twisted to fit a “skewed narrative” that there was an attempt to pressure Muhyiddin to step down in favour of his deputy, Hamzah Zainudin.

Earlier this month, Malaysiakini reported on claims that some leaders were pushing Muhyiddin to pass the reins to Hamzah.

The issue flared at Bersatu’s annual general meeting (AGM) on Sept 9 when Muhyiddin revealed there was a plot to collect signatures to oust him, sparking chaos among delegates.

Meeting with Muhyiddin on Wednesday

Wan Saiful said he had made several attempts to meet Muhyiddin - including during the AGM - to hand over the SDs.

“Indeed, a date has been set for this coming Wednesday, God willing, if he is available, I will meet him then. So that is the situation right now,” he added.

Among those present at today’s event were some of the 120 division leaders, as well as supreme council members Saifuddin Abdullah and Abdul Rashid Hasnon.

Wan Saiful emphasised that the press conference was held only after division chiefs were subjected to sustained attacks.

“I want to stress that our intention is solely to clear our names and those of all 120 division chiefs who have been attacked in a systematic, continuous, and open manner.

“That is why we were forced to bring this matter to a press conference, even though, as you can see, we have avoided speaking about it from the very beginning,” he said.

He pointed out that this was a party issue that should have been resolved internally.

“So, who was it that leaked it and brought it to the open media, and why? Nevertheless, I hope that with the explanation provided, this issue regarding the document can now be closed and put to rest.”

The AGM concluded with Muhyiddin’s position secured, as delegates unanimously passed a resolution naming him Bersatu’s prime minister candidate.

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